A holistic education

Fionnuala Kennedy explains the Wimbledon philosophy of a holistic education

FIONNUALA KENNEDY

Head

It is my absolute delight to welcome you to Wimbledon High and our ‘grow’ ethos. This publication will give you just a glimpse into the holistic, compassionate and wholehearted approach we take to educating girls here at Wimbledon High: pastoral care is not an additional strand to our approach, but embedded in everything that we do.

We know that for our students truly to grow, in every aspect of their life, they must feel known, supported and understood; and without learning about themselves and those around them, they will never truly reach the full potential of their academic learning. Our school motto, ex humilibus excelsa, is all about charting this growth in all its aspects: from small things, greatness.

So, whilst I could start by highlighting our fantastic academic record, our new state-of-the-art STEAM tower or our TES award-winning approach to teaching with technology, the thing of which I am most proud in this school is our ebullient, bright, quirky, grounded, curious and hilarious girls, and the way in which they and the staff commit to making this school a happy and unique community.

We as a school, connected: in lockdown we were determined to remain together, apart and, now we are back under one roof, we are learning to stay apart, together.

It takes work and it takes emotional honesty for individuals to grow in such circumstances. From when they step in as Year 7s, a student’s relationship with her teacher is open, based on mutual respect and a sense of unguarded delight in each other’s company. I always advise prospective parents when looking around any schools to watch what happens in the corridors when students and teachers cross paths: do they greet each other? Is there eye contact? Where’s the camaraderie? And we have it here in spades. Whether it’s a student’s individual form tutor or co-tutor, a subject teacher, academic mentor, Head of Year, our nurse, counsellor or pastoral leader: girls will always have someone to whom they can turn.

We are also connected to ourselves, and grow to understand, forgive and challenge ourselves: we believe in building our own internal, moral compasses and being guided by those as we go through life; and never has this been more important than in these ever-fluctuating, uncertain times. Part of this selfconnection requires courage, the bravery to look at ourselves with clear eyes, and to stand up for our beliefs. We teach the girls, as young women, to own their space, raise their voices for the good, and believe in their own agency and power for action and change. Whether that’s championing those who don’t have such a privileged platform, celebrating Pride week and Heritage week and supporting other women; whether it’s performing in the annual stand-up comedy night, or whether it’s having the courage to fail and to develop true grit: WHS girls are bold, be that loudly so or in a more quiet manner, and are ready to be the change they want to see when they stride out of school at the end of Year 13.

Finally, we are connected with our community, local and global, and believe that true leadership comes from service, not from authority; and our extensive partnerships scheme is more important to us in a post-Covid world than ever.

WHS girls are bold, be that loudly so or in a more quiet manner As ever, amidst all of this endeavour, reflection and growth, we are a school, which means laughter, joy, silliness and song abound, and rightly so. Our students are children, and children - we all know - hold the key to living life fully and with untrammelled delight. Which is why, of course, working with them is such a privilege and why welcoming each new generation of girls into the school to continue the legacy of Wimbledon High is such a special part of my job.